Listen to the trees: Improving the timber supply chain in the UK
Published: 17 December 2013
WestCHEM research has contributed to the development of acoustic tools that allow construction-grade timber to be identified in the forest.
The forestry and timber-processing sector contributes about £2,000M per year to the UK economy.
There are significant benefits to be gained by converting the maximum possible percentage of UK wood into construction timber products because the highest returns in terms of price and environmental impact are achieved with construction grade timber.
WestCHEM research has contributed to the development of acoustic tools that allow construction-grade timber to be identified in the forest. This research also led to changes in UK Forestry Commission planting policy, with ‘improved’ stock now accounting for >80% of new planting across both public and private sectors, yielding an estimated increase of £75M in the market value of these trees.
First published: 17 December 2013